Colombia allows lesbian couple to adopt child

ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOGOTA, Colombia -- Colombia has taken a major step recognizing the rights of same-sex couples after the country's constitutional court allowed a lesbian couple to adopt a child born to one of its members.

Ana Leiderman gave birth to two children via artificial insemination. Her longtime partner Veronica Botero however doesn't have any custodial or legal rights over the children, now ages 4 and 6. The couple petitioned for full legal rights after the first child was born.

The decision comes on the heels of a number of favorable gay-friendly rulings in Colombia and other parts of Latin America.

While Thursday's ruling applies to couples where one member is a biological parent, legal experts say it could indicate a willingness by the high court to extend adoption rights to all same-sex couples.